During today’s meeting of the Florida Cabinet, Governor Rick Scott recognized ShayCore Enterprises, Ft. Walton Machining, and Foley Timber and Land Company with the Governor’s Business Ambassador Award for their commitment in creating jobs in North Florida. The Governor’s Business Ambassador Award is given to individuals for their efforts in creating jobs and opportunities for Florida families.

Governor Scott said, “It is an honor to present these North Florida business leaders with the Governor’s Business Ambassador Award for their commitment to Florida’s economy and creating opportunities for families. The unemployment rate is down to 6.3 percent which is below the national average and small businesses like these help drive our economy and ensure Florida families have opportunities to live the American Dream.”

The following businesses received the Governor’s Business Ambassador Award:

ShayCore Enterprises – ShayCore Enterprises is a Jacksonville-based General Contracting firm that specializes in commercial, industrial and residential development. Founded in 2008, ShayCore has 60 employees and has grown over the last six years. The company’s growth is due to the emphasis they place on company culture and their relationships with clients. Over the last two years, ShayCore has been recognized as one of the top five fastest growing companies in Jacksonville and as a top 500 fastest growing company in the nation.

Ft. Walton Machining – Fort Walton Machining is a family-owned small business that provides assembly, metal finishing, and machining services to the aerospace, defense, medical, and high-tech commercial industries. Ft. Walton Machining was established in 1987 in Ft. Walton Beach and was later purchased by the late Timothy J. McDonald in 1997. The company today is still owned by the McDonald family. Sustaining Mr. McDonald’s legacy, the company continues to foster its roots and today employs 220 dedicated and talented individuals that drive the success of the company.

Foley Timber and Land Company – Foley Timber and Land Company owns approximately 562,000 acres of land in coastal North Central Florida and their timberlands represent almost 10% of the Florida market. Recognizing the need for economic growth in North Central Florida, Foley worked with both the State and Taylor County to develop a 50-year vision plan to protect, sustain and enhance the quality of life in Taylor County. The plan will foster economic growth while preserving the important natural and recreational assets of the region.

Ft. Walton Machining President Jan McDonald said, “The entire Ft. Walton Machining family is humbled and honored to be recognized by Governor Scott and the State of Florida with this award. My husband, Timothy J. McDonald, had a great vision and he established a foundation for us to follow. Ft. Walton Machining will continue to be committed to his vision while maintaining our reputation as best in class.”

Sr. Vice President of Planning for Foley Timber and Land Company Bo Taff said, “On behalf of Foley Timber and Land Company, it is an honor to receive the Governor’s Business Ambassador Award. Foley applauds the Governor’s efforts to build a strong and competitive economy that supports the growth of private sector jobs. As one of Florida’s largest land owners and an active partner in economic development, Foley is pleased to work with its local and regional partners and the Governor’s office to attract private sector jobs to Coastal North Central Florida.”